Calafiore on Arsenal move: ‘It’s a dream’ | Interview | News

After completing his move to Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori revealed that signing the contract was the culmination of a decade-long dream of signing for a Premier League club.

A quick couple of days saw the Italian international defender move to Philadelphia to complete his move from Bologna, and once the formalities were complete he was introduced to his new teammates ahead of his first training session.

He may have a lot to absorb, but now that everything is sorted out, the 22-year-old couldn’t be happier to become an Arsenal player and finally get a taste of life in English football.

“I feel great. It’s been tough so far, but we’re finally here and I can’t wait to start training with the team and playing for the fans,” he said.

“This has been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world playing here. It’s a dream not just for me, but for everyone.”

As with most transfers, talks between ourselves, Bologna and Riccardo continued for some time, but once the pieces started to fall into place, the defender was quickly convinced that his future belonged in north London.

He revealed that discussions with Mikel Arteta, our sporting director Edu and his Italy team-mate Jorginho helped confirm he was making the right decision, but having watched our progress over the past two seasons from afar, he made his decision quickly.

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“I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced myself. I think it’s the best project for me in the next few years, and I think I’ll improve as a player,” Ricardo added.

“I just met [Jorginho] “One month ago, but I see that he is a really good guy. I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: ‘Come, come, come! You will enjoy being here, the team is amazing and the staff, everything is good.’ You can see that already from the first few minutes here.”

Having helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season by being part of a defence that had the third-best defensive record, Riccardo now joins the club that conceded the fewest goals and kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season.

Competition for places in our defence has become more intense and while Ricardo knows he will have to fight hard for a place in our back four, he can’t wait to get started not only realising his dreams of being a Premier League player, but trying to help us lift trophies.

Looking forward to a bright new future, he said: “I came here to play, so I will do my best to play and give something to the team. I hope I can do that from the first few games.”

“From my point of view, it’s just the beginning, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start playing for Arsenal and winning trophies.”